How To Fit Roof Shingles

How To Fit Roof Shingles

Roofing shingles are a type of roof covering that consists of flat, rectangular tiles overlapping each other. Also known as asphalt or bitumen, they are affordable, easy to install and available in a range of colour options. Roof shingles are the ideal roofing solution for sheds and garden houses, offering a clean finish without compromising on durability or strength.

In this guide, we’re going to look at how to fit roof shingles and the products you need from our roofline range to get the job done.

Before you start, take a moment to fully read the manufacturer’s instructions before fitting the roof shingles. If in doubt, consult a professional before starting the project.

Step One: Prepare the roof deck by ensuring it is completely clear of any debris. If you lay your membrane on a surface that isn’t clean, debris will stick to it and create an irregular surface.

Step Two: Lay the underlay membrane. If your roof has a high moisture content, consider looking at breathable membranes to help reduce this. Create overlaps of around 150mm on each edge when laying your membrane, secure by nailing at 100mm with large headed clout nails. This will keep your underlay in place, even in high winds.

Step Three: Attach the detail strips to the eaves and verge of the roof. You can pick up quality detail strips in a range of colours to suit the style of your roof, including slate grey, red and green. Unroll the detail strip and create a 50mm eaves drip edge, nail to your roof deck at 50mm and lay the remaining strip at the verge nailing at 150mm centres with 50mm centre on the face of the verge.

Step Four: Fix the roof shingles to the roof by starting at the eaves and working towards the verge. Keep the shingle tiles square to the eaves and verge at all times to give you a clean finish.

Lay each roof shingle into position to create a ‘broken bond’ pattern and nail into place using a 20mm large headed clout nail. We recommend using 5 fixings per strip for added security. Trim oversized tiles to size with a sharp knife if needed.

Bond the eaves course tile and detail strip with bituminous sealant adhesive before using a heat gun to bond the other tiles to the lower courses.

Step Five: Once all of the shingle tiles are square to the verge line, nail them all into place using 20mm clout nails and bind the shingles to the detail strip using the adhesive. Trim any overhang with the Stanley knife.

Step Six: Once you’re happy that the shingles are laid and fitting to the ridgeline, place detail strip centrally over the ridge. Secure with sealant adhesive and nail in place with 30mm clout nails.

Take a look at our other roofing guides for more info on repairing and building a long lasting roof. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the BC Profiles team.